the world of art, design, interiors and all things beautiful

DIFFA’s dining by design, new york 2013

Art…whether it lifts us out of a dark mood or plunges us deep into a contemplative moment, art has the power to make us feel…at this year’s Dining by Design, I found myself reeling with divergent emotions…every installation, every collaboration, brought forth a unique and honest message…whether playful or edgy, I felt something extraordinary…and I couldn’t help but think, this art was created for such an incredible cause…countless numbers of volunteers, designers, architects, sponsors, board members, students, mentors, and the list goes on and on, all united in the fight against HIV/AIDS…of the 40 remarkable installations, I selected 17 to feature in today’s post…while some were designed by industry leaders, others were the tireless work, and vision, of student design teams…from Ralph Lauren to NYU, these designers brought thoughtful innovation and boundless energy to their craft…a seamless and fitting reflection of what DIFFA brings to their ongoing mission every day…I couldn’t be more proud and honored to share this post with you.

The Marie Antoinette/Alice in Wonderful wall treatment is an enlarged reproduction of an original painting titled “Calamity” by artist Ray Cesar. The copper repousse root table and stools as well as the life size sheep sculptures are all designed by Robert Kuo.

Interior Design magazine, designed by Ali Tayar

Parsons The New School for Design, Mentor: 2Michaels

Inspiration Statement: ALL ENCOMPASSING: Creating an environment of transformation and change of topography, of connections, of life, translating an ebb and flow of material and light as memory in a space.

Arteriors, designed by Barry Dixon

Elizabeth Bolognino Interiors LLC

Ralph Lauren Home

Echo Design

Marc Blackwell New York

Fabricut, designed by Vern Yip

The New York Times, designed by Frette

Kravet, designed by Aerin Lauder

Gensler & Herman Miller ~ MANY HANDS (walls of hershey kisses morphed from purple to silver as the public participated in this interactive display)

It takes many hands to shape a life

The perfect hug

Those laughs with a best friend

That first kiss

It takes many hands to transform a community

That cup of sugar for a neighbor

The shoveled driveway for a friend

Those words of encouragement for a child

We invite you to take a kiss, and join the many

hands it takes to spark positive change.

Profiles, designed by James Magni

Federico Delrosso hosted by Corinthian Capital Groups, LLC

New York University, Mentor: David Rockwell & Barry Richards (over 1000 wire hangers were used to create this sculptural masterpiece)

Inspiration Statement: “Deconstructed Closet” draws its inspiration from subversive icons of solidarity and revolution. A closet is no longer a place of shame, but one of beautiful transformation.

EDG hosted by The Rodger Thomas Collection (LED lights gracefully morphed from purples to pinks and greens to yellows within this portable dining unit)

Benjamin Moore, designed by David Stark (the last photo is from the Cocktails by Design party on Saturday night!)